Challenging a Nuclear Submarine in New London, 1960

In the summer of 1960, the Committee for Nonviolent Action (CNVA) came to New London to oppose the launches of the Polaris-class submarines, the first nuclear-armed submarines in the world, and to educate the local public about the dangers of those new weapons of mass destruction. But after the summer had come to a close, some CNVA members stayed in the area to continue their direct opposition to the submarines. One attempt to disrupt the launch of a Polaris sub, the Ethan Allen, occurred on November 22 of that year. Despite failing in its primary goal, the truly heroic efforts of the participants apparently left a powerful impression on some of the civilian and military witnesses. Moreover, as we shall see in next week’s follow-up story, the nonviolent direct action strategy proved to serve the CNVA members well, even when they were sent to prison.

(Click the image below to download the PDF version of the original newsletter clipping)

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Source

Henry, Bill. “Nine Arrested in New London.” Polaris Action Bulletin. 3 December 1960 (Bulletin #16), pages 1-2.